Lockspot Cafe

Most favorite seafood restaurant now. I had the Calamari appetizer. It wasn’t like any other. Instead of being stringy and tough, it was very lightly battered, tender, nice size pieces, and tasty. My entree was the “Steamers”(clams) and clam chowder. Chowder was one of the best I ever had. The Clams were the best I ever had, they have I believe a white wine, garlic, and butter sauce. That sauce was a party in my mouth, I was dipping my garlic bread in it, couldn’t get enough. My wife enjoyed her fried clams and my son enjoyed his burger. Our server was a super cool and nice man, I believe his name was Adolph. He made our experience feel like home. I also appreciated they had a small sign inside that said “thank you for supporting a black owned business”. I appreciate supporting that, I believe there is a lot of racism and prejudice in this world, it’s ridiculous and ungodly. These are good people here. Thank you

Parents owned this during the world's fair. So go back often. New owners are great. Food menu. My pesto salmon sandwich, excellent, my cousin's cod tacos, very good. My sister's fish sandwich was kinda small, dry and kid sized!

Food and service were super good. I love the location with a few parking spots available on site. Most of the time I come across the Ballard locks, it’s great to take the fish and chips to go to the park. Points only deducted from the restaurant being a little dirty. But it kinda also has a dive-bat feel inside so I guess a little grime is acceptable. Also my ketchup seemed a little fermented…. But otherwise I really love this place especially the to-go window

We randomly stopped by here for dinner after a visit to Golden Gardens Beach on a Wednesday night. There were a only a few table taken so we got seated right away. The service was exceptional for out entire meal. The spinach artichoke crab dip and seafood linguine were great, but the star of the show was surprisingly the "Our Favorite Salad". I will be going back just for that alone. There are 3 free parking spots out front, but if those are taken you'll have to find something on the street or in the adjacent paid lot, but it should only be a few dollars. The restaurant is black woman owned which was a nice bonus.

Quick and easy dinner at the Lockspot cafe. We had burgers, fish and chips and fish tacos! Very yummy! Only complaint was the fries that were way overcooked but it was a perfect summer evening to eat outside at the picnic table.

Three of us had dinner there. The meals were good and the service was excellent. We had : plate of three fried cod tacos, the Fire-in-the-hole burger and the Pesto Salmon Sandwich. The prices were reasonable and the ambiance was good.

I had a wonderful time at the lock spot! The food, the server, the ambiance were all amazing!!! I couldn’t have asked for a better server J.R. He was very polite, knowledgeable, attentive and all around made my experience at the lock spot! As for the food, I was surprised at how inexpensive everything was compared to other places nearby in Ballard. I ordered their fish and chips with a cocktail and I was stuffffed. The fish was breaded and seasoned to perfection and they give you super big portions too! I will definitely be coming back.

Fish and chips are excellent. Perfectly fried and the fish flakes nicely. Great spot to grab lunch.

Thanks! Glad you are still hanging in there. Just sending my beloved cousins from Georgia your way.

My husband and I like to go there for the blueberry whey smoothies from the coffee shop area but were super bummed today after paying $18 for 2 smoothies, plus tipping her, the barista didn't even say hello. Thank you. Nothing. Then when I asked to talk to the manager, was told the manager was not there and the girl I was speaking to "was only 19 so I can't help you". Lame. I tried to find out in a friendly way why we got treated that way but just decided for us, our friends and family will just never come back. Good luck to your horrible vibes!

Ambience. B Service. A Food. A Price. A It's been over 10 years since I've frequented this 100 year old spot, I see ownership has changed hands and up scaled their menu. I'm willing to try! Found at entrance to Ballard Locks next to train tracks and lots of paid parking and street parking. They have a few spots in their own lot. You can walk up to a window or they have indoor seating? I ate outside as it was a beautiful sunny June day. Steps to walk up to window. Girl was very friendly Ordered the kid/ senior portion. One fish and chips $10! Perfect size and portion for a small eater and just wanting to get a taste of fish and chips. I think the 2 piece is around $17? Anyway, also ordered bloody spicy Mary. Loved the spicy thick tomato flavor of the drink! Price on outside sign said $9. But in bill was charged $10. They need to update the correct pricing. The fish came out nice and hot and fries were crispy. Loved the homemade tarter and cocktail! Unique condiments flavors. I'm a fan!

I love me an old school divey spot and Lockspot Cafe is a fun place right next door to the Ballard Locks. I hadn't been here before but can appreciate there is a "eat-in" restaurant & bar in addition to an order window for food/coffee/beer. Inside is dark and divey...love it. Staff are generally friendly. I'll definitely return to try some other menu items and perhaps a drink at the bar...where I failed was getting a to-go order as I don't live terribly far away. My order of fish and chips, a beer, water...$30 Ooooff. The fish itself was decent; I really enjoyed the panko breading and homemade tarter. One piece was great and one was chewy however. I also don't think the meal warrants the $17 price tag, even though I understand prices are high in general right now. Fries were soggy by time I got home after my 10 minute walk. Sad.

Probably the best fish tacos I've ever had--absolutely full of flavor, fresh ingredients, and good proportions! I loved the vibe inside, very chill and homey/nautical. Service was quick, and nice, and had outdoor seating to enjoy the good weather! Great place to stop if you're going to see the Locks or walk around that area :-) 100% would go back again.

Came here on a not so crowded rainy day and was able to sit right away. The look of Lockspot is part diner, part bar with an overall "near the sea" aesthetic. The server was alright, I'm not sure if it was a bit short staffed on this visit but he seemed to have been doing a lot of tables was a bit hard to reach at times, not being able to check in more. I got the Chicken fried steak and a pancake on the side. The Chicken fried steak was excellent easily the best part of the meal. The potatoes and eggs were good, but the chicken was so tender, and the gravy was great. The side pancake not so much. It tasted kind of 'doughy'. as mentioned above with our server seeming to be a bit busy It took a little bit to get some extra syrup to help it along. Overall, this Lockspot visit was ok and would give it another try maybe not with haste though.

This was our second stop while on a "Heart of Seattle Savory Food tour" with Evan, our guide. He provided a short history of this very old restaurant, which supposedly had a brothel upstairs nearly 100 years ago, (but that's since gone, of course). The dining area was cozy feeling, yet fairly dark, even though we sat window-side. I suppose that being an older restaurant without major renovations, this could be expected. Evan told us we really needed to try their fish and chips, which were lightly breaded (I believe it was tempura-based?), perfectly crispy, and served with French fries. The house-made tartar sauce was also very tasty. It would've been nice to try some other menu items, but we were limited in time and what was allotted with the tour. Our server was friendly and attentive. We'd definitely return during our next visit to this area.

Quite possibly the best breakfast sandwich in Seattle. Ordered the salsa on the side, and it came out perfect.

Came on a busy afternoon, sat outside under the covered area. Self serve water, waitress was still very attentive and engaging. Best fish & chips I've ever had, I'd come back just for that.

We stopped here at the end of our Burke-Gilman ride. The prices were decent and the portions were generous. Our server recommended the salmon chowder. It was delicious! My one complaint would be that it was a warm day and they only had one fan running which did not blow on us. Maybe adding another fan facing the rest of the guests would be a nice addition for the summertime.

On the way home we decided to grab some chowder (Clam & Salmon) to go and boy are we pleased. Getting to experience each other made with some of the freshest seafood has been amazing! Definitely worth a visit.

While visiting our family we try to have at least one meal at The Lockspot Cafe in Ballard. They have always been consistently good. With so many established restaurants changing hands these days it is increasingly difficult to find the great local spots. The wait staff are great and helpful. I have had the fish and chips which were delicious and very filling. Last night I ordered the surf n turf which I really enjoyed. The menu has a good assortment of dishes to choose from. There are a good selection of drinks from the bar as well. I highly recommend this restaurant.

After enjoying a stroll through the botanical gardens and watching the ships go through the locks, the Lockspot Cafe was conveniently located nearby, just in time for a mid afternoon snack of clam chowder and a cold beer on a beautiful sunny day, plenty of seating outside to soak up the sun and enjoy the chowder and brew. The chowder wasn't the best I've ever had, but neither was it definitely not the worst. It could have been a little creamer and buttery tasting, but the amount of clams and over all flavor was good enough, worth the price, and the Maritime IPA went well with it. Maritime being another local brewery to check out later. Service was quick and friendly, a walk up window, place your order, and enjoy the sun for a few minutes. The chowder and beer was perfect to keep me going for the rest of the adventures for the day. Definitely will be back to try their fish n chips. Cheers!

I've been an Alison fan since her other restaurant. Glad she took over Lockspot, more room for more people! We have only been there for breakfast/brunch, but love it! My favorite is the biscuit breakfast sandwich, with sausage, cheese and a fried egg. Delicious and huge! That's what I usually get, except for the time they were out of biscuits and I got her cinnamon bun - so good! Husband likes the eggs benedict, breakfast burrito, and today had the smoked salmon omelette, which he loved. Coffee is good, and for espresso drinks you can walk outside to the blue booth and get whatever you want. Good cappuccino! Service is friendly.

The last time I visited the Lockspot was back in 2020, sat at the bar and chatted with long-time owner Pam around the time when she had decided to retire and put the Lockspot up for sale. Her single biggest concern was finding a new (local) owner who would continue the legacy of this nearly one hundred-year old eatery. Stopped by last week and I'm happy to report that the fish and chips are still among the best in town (Yes, I'm well aware how competitive the market for fish and chips is in Seattle.) The Lockspot was an occasional haunt when I lived in Ballard and as much as I appreciate the new owners carrying on the legacy of this place, I would love to see it updated someday--It's a cool place, but it needs a loving makeover.

The Lockspot has been around for years and it's been awhile since I've been to this iconic place that is known for some appearances from the deadliest catch crew. Maybe you'll get lucky if you swing on by. The food is average and nothing special but every person that works there was really nice so that's why they get a 4 star. The restaurant was packed so obviously they are doing something right. The burger and chicken had soggy buns not sure why. The fish was good and fresh so that's a plus! Coleslaw was on point and you can't go without trying the chowder. If you're by the locks walking around stop on in and check it out. It's old school and divey so be prepared but it's a good spot!

The servers are always friendly, sometimes the food can be a little slow to come out, but it's always worth the wait. Everything tastes super fresh. Their calamari is delicious especially with the amazing aioli dipping sauce.

Lived above the cafe when it was Alison's on Leary so had to drop by lockspot when visiting my friend today. With a baby and a weird time slot, we didn't really have time to sit and eat so I got some baked goods to go: baby loved the banana bread, the oatmeal toffee cookie was still so so good, and the cheddar bacon scone was ok (not quite as good as I remembered). Nice to get stuff fresh since I used to get day-old baked goods haha

I really don't understand why this place has 3 stars and Hattie's has 5?!!! ANYWAYS... This place is Very cute and cozy. Service was good. I wish I got her name but our waitress had green hair. Very helpful with the menu and sweet every time she came by to check on us. The guy that seated us was also nice and when he came to pick up our plates when we were done eating, simply just nice. I'm mentioning this cause I feel like it's rare now and days that servers are just simply nice and I don't feel like I'm bothering them when I ask a question about the menu. On to the food! I had the seafood sampler platter and OMG! It was amazing ! It was lightly breaded (other places it's just all breaded) the fish was so thick and the shrimp was a good size as well. My friend is gluten free and she helped me finish it, it was that good! Oh can't forget the coleslaw! I'm not a fan of coleslaw but WOW! It was pretty good! My friend had the omelette with fruit. Not sure what was in there but she finished the whole plate. I had some of the fruit and it was really fresh! Definitely will be back!

athe sign outside says "our food slaps"...I'd give them a 5 star for food and service...the place is rustic and could use a good carpet cleaning. The onion rings and fish sandwich were really good.

I stopped here I was in Seattle, WA for a vacation, and got an iced drink, the price was reasonable and the service was great.

A dive bar feel but food was decent. Nice place to relax, eat and drink after hanging out at the Locks. Service was friendly and prompt.

Went here on our first day in Seattle. We were staying in Ballard neighborhood and it was close by. Service was wonderful and attentive and I had a burger, clam chowder, and Bloody Mary. All were delicious. We were there at around 2 so it was us and just a few other people. Loved the space because it had a cozy, wood bar quality to it.

Cool place to grab lunch just after visiting the Ballard Locks on a rainy Monday afternoon. I remember seeing this place before when visiting the Locks, but this was our first time coming to the Lockspot. The service and the food were great and the place had plenty of Halloween decorations which we thought was cool. I got the fish and chips which were good. It came with 3 decent sized fillets of cod and plenty of seasoned fries. My wife got a bowl of clam chowder with a side of garlic bread. Her soup was really good, but she loved the garlic bread. We also shared an order of 3 pulled pork sliders which were great. Plenty of pork and a nice, sweet BBQ sauce on them. Lastly, there's a little walk-up coffee shop attached to the restraint where we got lattes after that were also very good.

Delicious and affordable food, nice casual atmosphere . Option to sit outside in nice weather

had the famous Fish and Chips, and a cup of Clam Chowder. lovely staff, cozy, comforting ambiance, delicious food. thank you for a tasty lunch!

Not only did they make us wait 45 min for a takeout order, the food was horrible. Fries were soggy and burger was burned. Definitely do not go there.

Food was AMAZING! I do not say this lightly. I've been to this place multiple times and ordered different things every time and it has been delicious. Plus the server named Kendra is honestly the most polite, personable server I've ever had. Highly recommend asking for her! Everyone who has helped is very friendly.

Close to the locks so we decided, why not? Over 55, gets senior discount. Had the fish/ chips. It was satisfactory. Service was great. The outdoor seating was kinda mish mash tho. Inside, had a dive bar feeling.

We stopped at Lockspot after touring the Norwegian museum (1 block away) and before heading to the Ballard Locks (also 1 block away). We all tried something different at the restaurant, which was pretty quiet around 1pm on a Friday. I had the fish sandwich which was very tasty. Several other people in my party got the clam chowder which ended up being one of their favorite chowders they tried throughout their trip to Seattle- so definitely get a cup to try! Only reason it isn't getting 5 stars is because it took about an hour for us to get our food (party of 7), and like I said it was pretty dead in there so we were confused on why it took so long (even the cup of chowder took forever). Overall good food, but be prepared to wait.

Average fish and chips. Very oily and no taste. Clam chowder was 4 out of 5 with a lot of potato's and tiny pieces of clam. It's basically convenient and right outside the gardens. Staff was friendly. Prices not so much. I wouldn't go back unless I was starving and all area restaurants were closed. Go for the location, not for the food.

Big disappointment today: under-cooked fries. Chowder that was--at best--lukewarm, with underdone potatoes, and two sodas with no carbonation. Back to Sunfish in West Seattle for us!

The sign says their food slaps and sure as sh*t, it does. The Salmon Chowder filled the void on this balmy 63° day.

I have always really liked this place. Such good and solid fish and chips. The prawns and chips were also good but the clams were a bit overcooked. The clam chowder is a good and typical seattle staple. The service is good and locations is convenient. If you want some really good fish and chips this is the spot to try.

Prices up, quality down. Can live with that but the nasty owner attitude not willing to listen to several simple customer serve issues; we are out forever after never missing one weekday gathering for 11 years 8-16 people. Basically, was told they are too good for us now, their staff is perfect, when I mentioned the series of incompetence service we received, and they don't need our business. We are very happy to meet elsewhere in Ballard who puts customers concerns as a first priority.

Delicious! Happen to stop by on our way to Golden Gardens. Had the beer battered halibut with fries and a small salmon chowder. A little pricey ($22 for the fish but a very generous portion, with fries $6.60 for chowder which is very reasonable) we would come back. Service was great and our kids loved playing in the telephone booth!

I love this place with all my heart. It is a neighborhood bar with a fun history. Their seafood is fresh and great (halibut and chips is a must) and pork sliders are also quite good. Their desert menu is also great - with skillet brownies and cookies that you can't refuse. So if you're looking for good food and lovely staff this is the place for you!

Food and service were fine.....Filthiest rug I have ever seen in an eating establishment !!! If they have something that filthy out in the open, I wonder what it's like out of sight ???????????

So good! 10:30 am this morning!! 18 includes tax. Really good!! Alex, n other guy cooking.

Nostalgic place, and the server was gracious but service was slow even though we were the only ones inside during the lunch hour. Ordered a senior plate of fish tacos - it was too salty to eat, and there were only bits of fish underneath the slaw that tasted too strong to have been fresh or even fresh-frozen. Fries were okay, a hamburger was also too salty, even for a teenager.

This business doesn't have any interest in keeping customers just being defensive. Your food is cold, takes forever, and I won't be coming back. Hope you enjoyed your $200 a month over the pandemic that's not coming back from my business.

The place is very right by the park. For the location it is very convenient for snacks right after seeing the Ballard Locks. The prices were a little high and the portions were slightly small. We got the senior special to share because of my dad but even with the senior discount. It's a convenient location. The one thing was everything was fried right when you order including the fries, so everything is hot. If your looking for a quick bite it is a cute little place but the menu is very limited

Forty minutes and they had not even started the food. Did several orders before. Do not go here unless desperate. IT was not even busy. Only when I went up to ask did they realize they needed to make it.

Seemed like a mellow Sunday afternoon. We wanted Fish and Chips. Immediate seating, Lani knew her menu took our order very promptly, checked up on us regularly. Skillet brownie was an excellent top off for a delicious, well served meal.

I had to come here four times before I wrote this review. This place will have you file a second mortgage with their ridiculous prices and plain old boring fried frozen foods. One item was the best I ever had which was the carne asada fries. That one deserved it. A five-star. The rest of the food is crap quality. The burgers were awful. I don't understand how businesses like this still stay open serving crap food. I finally told myself never again after four times trying to give them a chance. With consistent crap, this is the result. The homeless people of Seattle make better food in their grill.

First time trying this place even though we have lived in Ballard for 8 years. Just moved up the hill on Sunset hill and figured we needed to finally try it out. I had the chicken fried steak and it was great. We also tried the cinnamon roll and it was one of the best ones I have had. Only negative was the food came out a little slow, but nothing horrible. I will definitely be going back to try lunch and maybe dinner.

My wife and I ate there yesterday. I had the senior fried fish and my wife had the senior fish taco. We both also had the clam chowder. The clam chowder was delicious. The taco was terrible and there was no taco sauce available. My fish was good. This place is a dump. Carpet was worn out 30 years ago. The light above our table and everyone else's had 2 years of dust on it. The condiments bottles were so dirty I wouldn't want to touch them. We won't be back.

The food wasn't that great. Everything was burnt. Like well well WELL done. The service sucked. The guy never checked up on us unless he was called. But he was fast to grab the check. Threw the check at us. All bad. First and last time I go there. Maybe have the guy behind the bar stop racial profiling. That would be a start.

Definitely a good lunch spot with casual food including fish and chips and fish tacos. Option to eat inside or outdoors. Family friendly and helpful staff.

Great location and friendly staff! I was craving fish and my boyfriend has always wanted to try this place so it was a perfect match :) We started with the clam dip ($12) and HALLELUJAH it was amazing! I wasn't convinced when Brandon ordered it but it was creamy and clamy and delicious! I cannot say enough good things about the hand-cut, fresh from the fryer potato chips that came with it. By far the best I've ever had. We both got the classic fish n chips ($14) and it did not disappoint. Batter is crispy without being too thick and the fish was juicy and fresh. The fish itself was a little too mild (used lemon to kick up the flavor) for my craving so next time I'll go with the Halibut. This is a no frills restaurant so don't come expecting outlandish fancy meals. The menu is simple and straight up so you get what you order. The fries aren't very good- they took away from the main event instead of adding to it. Service was attentive and friendly and I really loved that we could sit outside. Only con of that was there was something between 'a few' and 'a swarm' of flies that gathered near the door to go inside. Not very pleasant for our table. Dive bar feel with good variety on the menu- but how can you come for the first time and *not* get the classic?! Convenient location- so easy it's a wonder we haven't stopped by before. Will definitely be back!